Who We Are
We are a group of orchid enthusiasts interested in, and passionate about orchids, who meet monthly in Devon.
Free orchid advice from experienced members.
History
The close links between Devon Orchid Society and Burnham Nurseries that are evident today have been in existence for over 50 years.
In 1951, Percy Rittershausen and his family moved to Devon from London and established Burnham Nurseries.
Soon after Percy (grandfather of our current President Sara) began holding regular Sunday meetings at the nursery with a small group of orchid enthusiasts who lived locally.
Around this time, several regional orchid societies started appearing and a parent organisation, the Amateur Orchid Growers’ Society (AOGS) was formed.
With Percy’s cooperation, the first meeting of the Devon and Cornwall branch of the AOGS was held at the nursery in January 1958.
In 1960 the AOGS became the Orchid Society of Great Britain (OSGB) and the local organisation eventually became the Devon Orchid Society (DOS) as both are still known today.
What We Do
Produce a monthly newsletter containing cultural tips and other information of interest to orchid growers as well as providing news of the Society’s activities, with reports on shows, meetings and awards.
Members Meetings
What We Do
There is a monthly newsletter containing cultural tips and other information of interest to orchid growers as well as providing news of the Society’s activities, with reports on shows, meetings and awards.
Ten monthly meetings are held at Burnham Nurseries, where many beautiful and unusual orchids are on show and for sale, usually on the third Sunday of each month starting in the afternoon.
The nurseries are located at Forches Cross, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 6PZ (just off the A38 between Newton Abbot and Bovey Tracey),
Society Meetings
Ten monthly meetings with inspirational talks at Burnham Nurseries, where many beautiful and unusual orchids are often on show and for sale.
Meetings are usually on the third Sunday of each month starting in the afternoon.
The nurseries are located at Forches Cross, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 6PZ (just off the A38 between Newton Abbot and Bovey Tracey).
The meetings’ programme includes presentations from professional and amateur growers about orchids, their culture, conservation and related subjects.
See our Meetings & Events page for the current programme.
The meetings are also opportunities for members to raise questions about caring for their orchids and seek advice from other growers about problems they may be encountering or obtain growing tips.
Auctions of plants are held usually twice per year, which provides members with the opportunity to sell their surplus plants and/or buy other different or more unusual plants at more affordable prices.
Display Table
There is a display table at these monthly meetings for members to show their orchids, with points awarded by experienced judges.
Shows
We put on and take part in shows.
Our Annual Show is usually held in May and we host an autumn show, usually in October.
Displays are mounted by several orchid societies as well as ourselves, and orchid nurseries also attend and have plants for sale. Orchid advice is available and potting demonstrations are given. Refreshments are also on offer.
We also participate at several other plant and orchid shows throughout the year, both across the West Country and further afield, including at the UK International Orchid Show at the NEC in Birmingham.
Images from the 2024 show:
See our annual events programme for further details.
Latest News
UPDATE -Burnham Nursery Orchid Festival, 16th and 17th August 2025
Burnham Nurseries are excited to announce details of their next Orchid Festival this August. The following societies will be putting on displays: D ...
UPDATE – APPEAL – NEW SEEDLING HOUSE
Sussex-based Orchid conservation charity, The Mathers Foundation is seeking funding to expand its breeding programme and enhance its living library of plants an ...
UPDATE – Cornwall Orchid Society 10th Anniversary Show, April 2025
Devon Orchid Society again put on a display at the Cornwall Orchid Society Annual Show at Chacewater Village Hall, Chacewater, TR4 8PZ, 26th April 2025. Thanks ...
UPDATE – Plant of the Month March 2025
Results of the March meeting's table show as follows: Advanced: 1st Pleione Aurita Intermediate: Coelogne intermedia Novice: Phalaenopsi ...
UPDATE – Plant of the Month April 2025
Results of the April meeting's table show as follows: Advanced: Coelogne tomentosa Intermediate: Pleione grandiflora x formosanum Novice: no entries
UPDATE – Monthly Meeting April 2025
Our meeting on Sunday, 13th April saw a discussion and interactive session led by the DOS judging team on ‘judging at shows - the BOC judging scheme’. It ...
THE ANNUAL SHOW, MAY 2025
Thanks to all those participating societies, society members and traders for supporting our Annual Orchid Show at Budleigh Salterton on 3rd May 2025. Further de ...
The International Orchid Show, Gardeners’ World Live, Birmingham NEC 12th – 15th June 2025
Coming soon further details about the International Orchid Show at Gardeners’ World Live Images from the 2024 show: BBC GWL Presentation
UPDATE – And the award goes to
Congratulations to Devon Orchid Society member Clive Lloyd for the Award of Merit and a Certificate of Cultural Commendation for Cattleya lobata ‘Jeni’ by the ...
UPDATE – Congratulations Go to Burnham Nurseries
Congratulations to Sara and Arthur at Burnham Nurseries for their display at RHS Wisley in March which won a Gold Medal. Further details of the event can be fou ...
Meetings & Events
Programme 2025
19th January: AGM and Social with Orchid Quiz (with prizes!) 16th February: Members Auction (1.00pm start)22nd February: Bournemouth Spri ...
Members Meetings
The first meeting each year is our AGM in January and we have developed a programme for the remainder of the year. Meetings are held at Burnham Nurseries and all start at 1.30pm, except for auctions which start at 1.00pm.
The latest information will be in our monthly newsletter and on Facebook at @devonorchids or click on the programme for information.
Shows
The Society hosts an Annual Show open to the public at Budleigh Salterton each May and an Autumn Show held annually at Burnham Nurseries, usually in October. The Society also mounts displays at other shows to which it is invited and those we are attending are included in the programme.
Membership of the Society is open to all those interested in orchids on payment of the appropriate subscription. The subscription rates (per calendar year) are £20 for individuals and £30 for two persons at the same address. Those joining after our Annual Show in May but before 31st August only need to pay half the annual subscription rate which covers them until the end of the calendar year. Those joining the Society after 31st August will need to pay the annual rates but will be covered until the end of the next calendar year. There is also a junior membership category for those aged 16 or under or still in full-time education; membership for this group is free.
Click the join or contact buttons and we’ll will provide you with an application form or any other information you require about the Society.
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